Canon Media Storage M30 and M80

Photokina 2006: Canon has announced the Media Storage M30 and M80 devices which feature a high resolution 3.7" TFT LCD screen, CF and SD reader, USB 2.0 connection and either a 30 or 80 GB hard disk. These devices are similar to the Epson P series Photo Viewer devices enabling you to backup and store images directly from storage card or camera and display them on the built-in screen. The M30 and M80 also support direct printing via USB and are powered by the now 'Canon standard' BP-511A Lithium-Ion battery. Canon are keen to stress that these products are not OEM but have been developed in-house.

New media storage viewers for digital photographers

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 25 September, 2006: Canon today launches the portable Canon Media Storage M30 and Canon Media Storage M80 devices. Designed with EOS and other digital photographers in mind, the units feature a large ultra-bright 3.7” TFT screen with 160º viewing angle for image and video review, and a 30Gb/80Gb hard disk to store digital images, movie and sound files of various file formats. Both units feature a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface and slots for CF and SD cards.

With their tough, robust magnesium alloy bodies and intuitive navigation familiar to EOS owners, the devices add an important link to the workflow chain of professional photojournalists and photographers on location, outdoor and expedition shoots. They are also expected to be popular with the increasing body of every-day photographers looking for new ways to store and display favourite shots and extend storage capacity whilst away from the computer.

Availability & Pricing to be confirmed.

The Media Storage M30 and M80 feature:

30/80 GB hard disk

3.7” ultra-bright TFT screen with 160º viewing angle

CF and SD card reader

USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connection

Support for multiple image, video and sound file formats, including Canon RAW, MPEG, MP3 and WAV.

Extended PictBridge functionality

4 – 8 digit image file password protection

1/8” audio-out headphone jack

“This is the EOS accessory many Canon professionals have been asking us for,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “As well as extending pro photographer back-up and storage capacity, there is no doubt the units will appeal to amateur photographers looking for more flexible, enjoyable and portable alternatives to the traditional photo album."

Multi-media versatility

In addition to the capacity to store Canon RAW and JPEG images, the Media Storage M30 and M80 units can also store and display / playback a variety of multi-media files. A headphone jack is provided for audio playback of MPEG as well as WAV and MP3 files.

Reliability and security

Designed for professional use, the units are robust, reliable and secure. The 1.8” HDD is chosen for its stability and superior protection features and both units are protected with a tough, rugged magnesium alloy outer casing. To avoid corruption, files are validated during upload from memory card. To prevent unauthorised access, images and other files can be protected with an up to 8 digit password.

Battery convenience

For EOS photographer convenience, the units take the BP 511A battery used in various EOS models including the EOS 5D, EOS 20D and EOS 30D, as well as professional products such as the WFT E1 Wireless File Transmitter.